You may be losing sleep while you are pregnant for a variety of reasons. Whatever the reason may be, it is important to understand that insomnia is not harmful to your baby. Insomnia during pregnancy is normal and affects approximately 78% of pregnant women.

Complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep may be the result of one or more of the following:

• Difficulty falling asleep

• Waking up frequently during the night

• Difficulty returning to sleep

• Un-refreshing sleep

• Discomfort due to the increased size of your abdomen

• Heartburn

• Back pains

• Frequent urination during the night

• Anticipating the arrival of your baby

• Frequent and vivid dreams

• Anxiety

• Hormonal changes

• Prepare yourself for bedtime by taking a warm bath or receiving a nice massage

• Set up your room for a comfortable sleep setting by changing your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and playing some relaxing or natural sounds that can help make you sleepy

• Try relaxation techniques such as the ones you have learned in your childbirth class

• Exercising during the day

• If you have the opportunity to sleep during the day you should take it!

• If you still cannot fall asleep you should get up; you might read a book, watch TV, eat a small snack or fix some warm milk